Los Angeles, California – As the March 5 elections approach, the likelihood of Measure HLA passing seems to be dwindling.
Measure HLA aims to make the city carry out improvements to streets and sidewalks as outlined in the Los Angeles Mobility Plan 2035.
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Turning these guidelines into mandatory requirements has sparked controversy. Firefighters voiced concerns last week, arguing that the introduction of bike lanes and similar changes could slow down their emergency responses.
Moreover, a recent analysis by City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo on Measure HLA suggests it would cost the city $3.1 billion over the next decade, without bringing in extra money for transportation, according to the Los Angeles Times.
If HLA is approved by voters, “you will be asked to make offsetting decisions, and potentially not fund other projects and priorities to meet the mandates of this measure,” Szabo wrote.
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However, HLA supporters argue that Szabo’s report is biased and aims to negatively influence the measure’s success at the polls.Top of Form
Supporters of HLA, including Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Bob Blumenfield, said Szabo used flawed methodology, including creating “a wholly artificial 10-year horizon, which seems to inflate the cost,” as Blumenfield said.
Some critics argue that the $3.1 billion cost estimate for Measure HLA was based on the priciest options, rather than on more budget-friendly project plans.
Szabo stood by his analysis, claiming it offered “conservative estimates” that were actually on the lower side.
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He mentioned that if the analysis had accounted for the potential rise in construction costs, the total could have exceeded $4 billion.
Szabo explained his choice of a 10-year timeline was because the Mobility Plan was meant to last until 2035. He warned that extending the work beyond ten years would likely raise the costs of these transportation projects even further, according to the Times.
